Cape Town - A West Coast non-profit organisation has appealed for assistance to preserve a replica of the clay houses built for coloured people in Hopefield during apartheid.
This comes as the Saldanha Bay Municipality says it lacks the specialised skills and knowledge required for maintaining or rebuilding it.
The replica house was constructed in the late 1980s, with the guidance of a heritage architect and a local builder familiar with the traditional building methods and materials used, such as reeds, clay, untreated timber and poles.
George April, chairperson of West Coast Sport Solutions, said the house, located at Hopefield Library, was a historical gem, testament to the traditions and heritage of the community.
April said they planned to make the replica a tourist attraction.
“The house is a symbol in Hopefield, with its thatched roof and clay walls, this house represents the rich cultural tapestry of our past and holds deep significance for both our local community and visitors.
“Unfortunately this historical gem is in dire need of repair and despite its invaluable historical and cultural importance it has not received the attention it deserves from local authorities or political leaders.
“Those were the houses we as coloured people lived in back in the day, before the brick and cement houses. This replica is falling apart and our main concern is that the municipality might pull it down completely.”
Tereza Burger, communications officer for Saldanha Bay Municipality, said the house was not a formally recognised heritage house.
Burger said there were no immediate plans to demolish the structure, but preservation efforts were dependent upon securing the necessary skills and resources.
“The unconventional building methods and materials used in the house require continuous maintenance or rebuilding. Unfortunately, the municipality’s municipal facilities department lacks the specialised skills and knowledge required for maintaining or rebuilding the structure.
“Over the years, we have reached out to various individuals and organisations for assistance in finding experts who can both repair the house and train our staff in these techniques, without success.
“We appreciate the interest shown by Western Cape Sports Solutions in preserving this house. The municipality remains open to collaboration within the relevant legislative framework.”
To assist, please contact admin@ wcsportssolutions.co.za